Grad : College Credit in High School

Advanced Placement Programs

Advanced Placement programs enable students to take college-level courses while in high school. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) maintains a comprehensive Advanced Placement website at the link above. Interested students should check with their school counselors about the availability of these programs.

Tables showing the type of credit conferred by public institutions in Washington for AP examinations are below. Students who complete AP exams with a score of 3 or higher earn at least elective credit. Some colleges require higher test scores to award specific course credit. Some colleges also offer advanced placement into more advanced college courses.

Other Dual Credit ProgramsOther dual credit programs allow high school students to enroll in college-level courses, either at their school or their local community college. Check the OSPI Dual Credit website link above for comprehensive information or visit the program links below. As with AP courses, not all schools offer these options. Interested students should check with their high school counselor.

International Baccalaureate ProgramsHigh-quality programs of international education are offered to a worldwide community of schools. Three programs for students aged 3-19 help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Check availability with your high school counselor.

University of Cambridge International ExaminationsAn international, pre-university curriculum and examination system, Cambridge programs emphasize the value of a broad and balanced education for academically able students. As with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, colleges and universities have recognition policies for awarding credit based on exam scores. Check availability with your high school counselor.

Running StartThe Running Start program in Washington allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges and Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College.

College in the High SchoolCollege in the High School (CHS) programs provide college-level academic courses in high schools to serve qualified high school students.

Tech Prep The Tech Prep program helps students transition from high school into postsecondary professional technical programs. Tech Prep is a cooperative effort between K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and the business community to develop applied, integrated academic and technical programs.

Washington Tech Prep awards high school students dual credit for career and technical education (CTE) courses articulated to college programs. This program provides occupational pathways for students by preparing them for technologically advanced careers and postsecondary education by emphasizing strong academic, technical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Early CollegeThe Early College program provides low-income youth, first-generation college goers, English language learners, students of color, and other young people underrepresented in higher education the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and one to two years of college credit at the same time, tuition free.

Gateway to CollegeStudents ages 16-21 who have dropped out of school or are in danger of dropping out may qualify for this program to concurrently accumulate high school and college credits, earning their high school diploma while progressing toward a certificate or associate degree.

Career Link - South Seattle Community College Career Link ProgramCareer Link is a high school completion program for students 16-21 who no longer attend traditional high school. The program supports personal and academic development to help students achieve their high school diploma and make the transition to postsecondary education. Students may earn dual credit for high school completion and college credit. Youth who enroll in the program attend full time at no cost.

Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment ProgramsThe programs linked below allow students to concurrently earn high school and college credits while progressing toward an associate degree or certificate. Students who enroll have access to most of the training programs and support services at any of the three participating colleges: